Sumo began a new tournament in front of a live audience Sunday, despite a steady rise in coronavirus infections, with fans voicing both joy and caution about watching the Japanese spectacle during the pandemic. Above: Spectators are seen as sumo wrestlers hold a ring-entering ceremony at the July Grand Sumo Tournament, in Tokyo.
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The tournament runs through August 2 at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the primary sumo arena at the heart of the Japanese capital. Above: A sumo wrestler walks past as people line up to attend the sumo tournament in Tokyo.
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The tournament comes a week after Japanese baseball and football opened stadiums to spectators, and as the government seeks to keep the economy open despite worrying signs of the virus's resurgence, particularly in Tokyo.
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"Well, it's scary, isn't it," said fan Katsuhiko Ochiai, 59, who travelled from neighbouring Chiba region to attend the first day. "But I love sumo, so I want to watch this," he said. Above: People line up to attend the tournament.
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Only 2,500 fans were allowed inside the 11,098-seat stadium, unlike in normal times when bouts are performed in front of sold-out crowds. They were asked to refrain from cheering and stick to applause to express their passion.
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Anyone with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 F) or higher was denied entry. Spectators also had to wear masks, sanitise their hands, keep a distance from others and refrain from touching wrestlers or approaching them for autographs.
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Tokyo's coronavirus infections have been mounting in recent days and on Sunday, city authorities are expected to announce around 190 new cases.
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